You may be able to supply overseas customers directly from the UK. Or, you might have to establish a local presence; whether that’s through an agent, distributor, reseller partner or your own people. What is right for you will depend on what you are selling and the size of the market.

Top tip: Look for peer-to-peer export networks in your area to find mentors already selling to your target market.

4. Make sure you get paid

The excitement of winning new export orders can sometimes detract from the risk of not getting paid. See the chart below to understand the range of payment methods used in international trade and the level of risk associated with each term.

The risk ladder

5. Consider cultural differences

Avoid falling foul of cultural protocols and carefully research laws, specifications and standards that apply to your product - i.e. which countries can you sell to without having to make expensive modifications to your products?

Top tip:We can check the country requirements that relate to your products through our partnership with Intertek Group plc; a multinational inspection, product testing and certification company headquartered in London.

6. Visit the market

Sooner or later you’ll need to visit the market to meet your prospective agents, distributors and customers; and to mix with the society you are selling to. There may be subsidised organised visits or exhibitions in your target market to enable you to visit at a lower cost.

7. Shipping your goods

Freight forwarders are often seen like travel agents for international trade. Choose a good one and you can save time and money.

Top tip: Shop around and ask for references.

Don’t be daunted. Exporting is hardly a new activity. It is just another business discipline, which by accessing the valuable help available, is well within the capability of any well-managed UK business.